Like annual physical checkups to ensure you’re in good health, a routine eye exam is how your doctor detects any changes in your vision. Diagnosing eye problems early when they are most treatable offers you a better chance at a lifetime of good eyesight. And it’s during these comprehensive eye exams that your eye doctor can determine the best prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses for you.

Don’t put your eye health at risk. Call your eye doctor and make an appointment today! Here’s why it’s important to continue getting routine eye exams in Oshkosh as you get older.

Vision changes with age

Some people discover early on in life that they have vision problems, while others don’t have trouble until they get older. Eye examinations are important for everyone, but older adults and individuals who wear prescription lenses should have their eyes tested regularly. These tests keep prescriptions current and check for early signs of eye disease and other changes in vision.

Older adults should not forgo routine comprehensive eye exams. In fact, doing so is a dangerous move. The most common causes of blindness are glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and the risk increases with age. Many types of vision loss are preventable, or the odds improved, when these eye conditions are diagnosed and treated early. Don’t gamble with your eyesight, especially as you get older. Schedule a routine comprehensive eye exam today!

What eye doctors are looking for

Your eye doctor will evaluate whether you are farsighted, nearsighted or have an astigmatism. If you wear corrective lenses, your current prescription is evaluated. Your eyes will also be checked for diseases and other problems that can impact your vision. Here are a few common eye conditions your doctor will look for:

Strabismus: This eye condition is characteristic of crossed or turned eyes. Strabismus causes problems with depth perception, but can also lead to amblyopia. The doctor will check your eyes’ alignment and test them to be sure they are working together, as they should be.

Amblyopia: We mentioned that amblyopia can come about from strabismus. Amblyopia occurs when one eye needs a significantly different prescription than your other eye, or when your eyes are misaligned. If the problem is great enough, your brain will basically eliminate images from the blurry or turned eye. Left untreated, this eye condition can have a seriously negative impact on visual development in the affected eye. The result is permanent vision impairment.

Common eye diseases: Unfortunately, many eye diseases—such as diabetic eye disease and glaucoma—tend not to exhibit obvious symptoms in their early stages. This is all the more reason why those of us who are getting older should visit the eye doctor on a regular schedule for comprehensive eye health checks. The good news is that, in many cases, detecting and treating eye diseases early can reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.